Palestinian Authorities Seek Probe into Mass Graves at Gaza Hospitals
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Hashim Sheikh
- . April 25, 2024
- . Update: April 25, 2024 10:26 pm
The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced on Monday the discovery of mass graves at several hospitals in Gaza City, including Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip. The graves are believed to contain the remains of victims of the 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas in May 2021.
Calls for Investigation
The discovery has raised concerns among Palestinians about the treatment of the dead and the possibility of war crimes committed during the conflict. Palestinian authorities are calling for a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the burial of the victims.
Israeli Response
Israel has denied any wrongdoing and stated that it conducted the conflict per international law. However, the Israeli government has expressed willingness to cooperate with any investigation into the matter.
Human Cost of the Conflict
The conflict in May 2021 was one of the deadliest between Israel and Hamas in years, resulting in the deaths of more than 250 people in Gaza, including many civilians. Israel also reported casualties, including several civilians killed by rockets fired from Gaza.
Renewed Calls for Justice
The discovery of the mass graves has added to the trauma of Palestinians who lost loved ones during the conflict. Many families are still searching for missing relatives, and the revelation of the mass graves has renewed calls for justice and accountability.
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International Response
The Palestinian Authority has called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the conflict and the alleged war crimes committed by Israel. The ICC has launched a preliminary examination into the situation in the Palestinian territories, including Gaza, but has not yet opened a formal investigation.
Looking Towards the Future
As the investigation unfolds, Palestinians are hoping for answers about the fate of their loved ones and for measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The discovery of the mass graves has once again highlighted the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for a lasting peace in the region.
